Page 8 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper November 2025 Edition
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Page 8 The Fayetteville Press October/November 2025 Edition
Editorial / Opinion
The Fayetteville Press Newspaper welcomes letters from its readers. All letters must be signed and must include a home address and a daytime phone number.
All letters are subject to editing. We will not publish unsigned or pseudonymous letters.
Mail or E-mail your letters to: The Fayetteville Press Newspaper, P.O. Box 9166, Fayetteville NC 28311
E-mail: fayepress@aol.com
A New Kind of Justice: When
“Just Us” Replaces Justice The Fayetteville Press
Newspaper
“Your Community Newspaper”
It’s a new day — and as we see a new P.O. Box 9166
kind of “justice” trickle down from D.C. Fayetteville * NC 28311
to North Carolina, we must ask: who does (910) 323-3120 - Office
justice really serve when it seems to be “just www.fayettevillepress.com
us”? E-mail:
The tragic death of one-year-old fayepress@aol.com
Gianna “Gigi” Michelle James while in the
care of Melissa Ortiz-Fikes, who illegally *Publisher - JJ Jones
operated a daycare in Fayetteville, has left
our community heartbroken and question- *General Manager
Chrystal M. Thomas
ing the system once again. Gianna “Gigi” Michelle James
Only three years ago, another By Atty Allen W. Rogers *Sales Manager
Fayetteville mother Jana Gabrielle Shaw a (910) 433-0833 — and selective justice is no justice at all. Dwight Brown
young graduate student and member of the Efforts to erase or minimize our history, to *Editor - Jae McKrae
WIDU faith community — lost her child she faces only misdemeanor charges — not silence discussions of race, or to dismiss
in an accidental fall. The state medical ex- felony child abuse or homicide. the impact of centuries of oppression only *Special Corespondent
aminer, Lauren C. Scott, MD The facts raise serious questions. If a child ensure that we repeat the same injustices Queen Degraphenrei
Chief Medical Examiner, confirmed dies while in the care of someone operating an in new forms.
Staff Writer
that baby Jude’s death was consistent with illegal daycare — one that falsely received We cannot afford silence or compla- Shelia Mclaughlin
the mother’s account: a traumatic brain in- funds could this not constitute felony child cency. Leadership that refuses to denounce
jury resulting from a fall from the bed. The abuse, or even felony murder, since the death inequality only enables it. We need leaders *Photgrapher
examiner concluded it was equally likely occurred during the commission of a crime? who will call out failures in the system — Bruce Carpenter
to be accidental as intentional. Our community deserves to know why no such no matter who it offends. *Account Executives
Despite this expert opinion, the mother, charges have been pursued. So what can we do? Dr. Don Reid
Ms. Shaw, was charged with First Degree The family of little Gigi is appalled, and We can vote — wisely, intentionally,
*Distribution
Murder and held without bond. She was rightly so. Their grief is compounded by a and together. Michael Dykes
forced to secure costly legal counsel and sense of unequal justice — that one mother We can spend — consciously, sup- Nero B. Coleman
endured the unthinkable trauma of being was swiftly and severely prosecuted, while porting those who value and respect our
treated as a murderer while grieving the loss another faces only minor penalties despite a communities. * Graphic Designed By
of her only child. It wasn’t until just weeks clear violation of the law. This holiday season, consider with- Joe McGee
before trial that the charges were dropped When we step back, this disparity reflects holding unnecessary spending until after the
— even though the state’s own witness a larger issue: a growing divide in how justice, New Year. My own family has practiced *Staff Chaplain
Bishop
would have made a conviction impossible opportunity, and accountability are applied in this for decades, finding that we save Larry O. Wright, Jr.
under the standard of reasonable doubt, our nation. Across America, the rights of mi- money and make more meaningful choices.
which requires jurors to be fully satisfied norities are being rolled back — from voting Small acts of unity and discipline can send E-Mail:
and entirely convinced of guilt. access to economic opportunity. Programs that a powerful message when multiplied across fayepress@aol.com
Contrast that with the case of Ms. once sought to level the playing field are being our community. Web-Site
Ortiz-Fikes. Reports indicate her daycare dismantled under the guise of “fairness,” while We must demand fairness, transpar- www.fayettevillepress.com
operated illegally with up to 30 children in systemic inequities persist. ency, and accountability — not just for one For
her care. Yet, despite the child’s death un- History reminds us that when minority case, but for all. Because when justice be- Subscriptions
der these unsafe and unlawful conditions, rights are ignored, justice becomes selective comes “just us,” we all lose. Call
(910) 323-3120
Holiday Tips for the Thanksgiving Season
Happy holidays! It’s the most thankful time of the year. It is a time to spend with family and
friends as well as a time for giving thanks. Here are some tips for a stress-free holiday season:
Family Time
1. Involve the kids and family members to help with everything from decorating the table, washing dishes, baking pies, and fixing
Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Spend quality time with family by doing things like playing games, watching movies, and having great conversations.
Eating/Drinking
1. We eat lots of good food during the holidays which causes extra weight around the midsection. Be careful of how much you are eating
and drinking. Use a small plate and eat small portions. Do not pile up food on the plate.
2. Be sure to exercise or take a brisk walk each day.
3. Drink plenty of water. Try to drink 6 – 8 glasses per day.
4. Do not go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Those pictures of brownies on the box will get you every time. All food looks
scrumptious when you are hungry. Stick to your grocery list.
5. If you drink alcohol have someone to take you home. Do not risk being stopped by the police or putting people’s lives in danger by
driving.
Black Friday shopping
Dr. Shanessa Fenner, Principal 1. Set a budget for gift buying and be practical with the gifts that are purchased.
2. Make a list before shopping and stick to the list. Think about items that the people on the list like and can use.
3. Buy a few extra gifts in case they are needed and only if you are able to purchase them without financial strain.
Relaxation
1. The holidays can be stressful so do something that makes you happy. Take care of self first.
2. Schedule some “me” time or a Swedish massage.
3. Get plenty of sleep and take naps. The holidays can be exhausting.
4. Listen to soft music while creating a sense of peace and calmness.
Give some of your time
1. Donate some of your time to help serve a meal to the homeless.
2. Check on an elderly neighbor during the holidays to see if you can assist them with their needs.
We should be thankful for our many blessings and grateful to be able to enjoy another holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving and be a
blessing to someone during this holiday season.
